Cultural Capital at Clandon School

At Clandon School, we believe that rich experiences and meaningful exposure to culture, creativity and the wider world are essential in helping children develop confidence, curiosity and a strong sense of place.  Our approach to cultural capital ensures that pupils gain the knowledge, experiences and language they need to flourish both academically and socially.

We actively broaden pupils’ horizons through carefully planned opportunities that enhance learning beyond the classroom.  Through Musician of the Week, children are introduced to a wide range of high-quality musical experiences, helping them to appreciate different genres, styles and composers, and to develop a lifelong enjoyment of music.

Creativity is celebrated through our whole-school annual Art Week, where pupils explore the work of a different artist each year.  This allows children to study significant artists, experiment with techniques and materials, and develop confidence in expressing their own ideas.

Our Forest School provision plays an important role in building cultural capital by giving pupils regular access to the natural world.  Through outdoor learning, children develop independence, resilience, teamwork and problem-solving skills, while deepening their understanding of the environment and their connection to it.

Children also take part in first-hand experiences that develop curiosity, responsibility and awe of the natural world.  Pupils hatch chicks, observe caterpillars transform into butterflies, and visit Clandon Park to support lambing, giving them memorable opportunities to learn about life cycles, care for living things and rural traditions.

A well-sequenced programme of school trips and residential experiences ensures that children regularly engage with their local community and beyond.  Early experiences include visits to local villages, shops, garden centres and the theatre, helping pupils understand the world around them and their place within it.  As children grow, they venture further afield through visits to places such as the Natural History Museum, Henley Fort and Butser Farm, enriching their knowledge and experiences.

Together, these opportunities ensure that pupils leave Clandon School with shared experiences, cultural understanding and the confidence to engage thoughtfully with the world around them.